Sportswriter Drew Ellis examines the rivalry between Michigan State and U-of-Michigan. Impartial to both, he will judge who is a step ahead or behind both on the football field and on the basketball court. Join in on the debate and follow him on Twitter @ellisdrew

Sunday, March 2, 2014

I am worried about Tom Izzo

I am worried about Tom Izzo.

I am not worried about his ability as a coach. His
accomplishments speak for themselves.

I am more worried about his well-

being.

I know Izzo has always been an animated and emotional
coach, but this season seems different. The emotion and animation seems to be
more out of anger and rage than joy and excitement.

I can probably count on my hand the number of camera
shots I have seen Izzo look genuinely happy this season.

Michigan State came into 2013-14 with a lot of hype and a
lot of expectations. There was also plenty of pressure. MSU entered this season
needing to reach the Final Four for Izzo to avoid having a senior class go
their entire four years in East Lansing without reaching the national
semifinals.

On paper, MSU looked like it not only could contend for
the Big Ten title, but also the national championship. Gary Harris is one of
the top players in the country and Adreian Payne has developed into a dynamic
player on both sides of the floor. Mix in some veteran leadership and a Big Ten
title almost seemed like a guarantee, especially when Michigan lost Mitch
McGary.

Things haven’t exactly worked out. MSU has now lost three
of its last four and two straight at home to Nebraska and Illinois. Izzo has
looked exceedingly dumbfounded with each loss and probably is aware that a
season of “what could be” is quickly turning into a season of “what could have
been.”

There is no doubt that Izzo wants a second national
title. It would be the final piece to define his legendary run at Michigan
State. Without it, he is still one of the greats, but most close to the program
have expressed Izzo’s desire to earn that second title.

Saturday’s game was a bit of a wake-up call for me. I
never expect Izzo’s teams to play like they did coming off a loss followed by a
week off, especially when that loss came in embarrassing fashion against your
rival.

Izzo’s messages are either not getting through, or State
doesn’t have the talent. I think we all know they have the talent.

The yelling and screaming and hair pulling isn’t having
the same impact it once had. It could be a generational thing, or it could be
that Izzo’s message has run its course in East Lansing. Some players in this
day and age don’t respond to Izzo’s style like athletes in the past may have.
Thick skin certainly hasn’t been a trait of evolution.

Izzo won’t quit, but he can’t hide from what is happening
this season. Blaming injuries and the media will only get you so far. Those
excuses get hollow when the losses continue.

If this season ends in disappointment, which is hard to
imagine it won’t at this point, I hope Izzo takes some time away from the court
before getting ready for next season. If he can truly say he is still enjoying
coaching right now, then I would hate to see what it is like for him when he
isn’t enjoying it.

Izzo looks like he needs a recharge, or maybe even a
clean slate with a new program. Maybe he even just needs to retire and take
some time away from the game. I am not trying to say the man can’t coach, he
absolutely can and is one of the greats in the game. But, I would like to see
him step away from MSU before his legacy is damaged by disappointing seasons,
or a health scare. Nothing in this life is worth putting that kind of stress on
yourself, even a national title.

This talk could all be premature and Izzo could put
together another magical run in March. All would be forgotten if that happened,
but my thoughts on Izzo wouldn’t change. This season appears to have taken its
toll on him.

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About Me

I work for The Oakland Press as a sports writer and copy editor. I cover college football along with some prep sports. I spent six years covering Central Michigan University football, men's basketball, and baseball for The Morning Sun in Mt. Pleasant.